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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Jane Lavender

Coronavirus: What to use instead of toilet roll as supermarket shelves stripped bare

Coronavirus has now forced millions of Brits to work from home as it's feared as many as 55,000 people could be infected with the bug.

The official number of confirmed cases stands at 1,950 in the UK but experts claim that number could be far higher.

The death toll now stands at 71 and in a bid to stem to spread of coronavirus, the government has introduced a raft of drastic measures.

Across the world, the figure could be as high as 200,000.

People are being urged to stay away from pubs, bars, restaurants, the theatre and other social gatherings while the most at risk could be told to self-isolate for at least 12 weeks.

The most vulnerable groups include those over the age of 70, anyone with underlying health problems who is routinely offered an NHS flu jab and pregnant women.

Suprmarket shelves have been cleared out of loo roll (PA)

The UK’s chief medical officer, Prof Chris Whitty, said: "The group of people who we would want to take this advice particularly seriously are older people above 70, people who in adult life would normally be advised to have the flu vaccination.

"So these are people with chronic diseases such as chronic heart disease or chronic kidney disease, and also - as a precautionary measure because we are early in our understanding and we want to be sure - women who are pregnant."

Anyone who lives alone and has any of the symptoms of COVID-19 is being told to stay at home for seven days.

If you live with other people you need to self-isolate, along with every person in your house, for 14 days.

While increasing numbers of people are being told to work from home and fear being self-isolated for long periods of time, supermarket bosses have pleaded with shoppers to buy goods responsibly.

The government has announced tougher measures to stop the spread of coronavirus (PA)

Members of British Retail Consortium sent a joint letter to consumers urging everyone to work together to ensure there is enough food for the country.

It comes as scores of shoppers have been panic-buying essentials, including toilet paper, as fears intensify over the spread of Covid-19.

Retailers are currently working "round the clock" to help customers get the items they need, the BRC said.

The letter aims to reassure customers, while calling on them to support each other during the crisis.

It said: "We know that many of you are worried about the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19).

"We want to let you know that we are doing everything we can so that you and your families have the food and essentials you need."

The toilet roll shelves were empty as people panic buy for self-isolation (Instagram)

The letter added: "But we need your help too.

"We would ask everyone to be considerate in the way they shop.

"We understand your concerns, but buying more than is needed can sometimes mean that others will be left without.

"There is enough for everyone if we all work together.

"Together we can make sure we are looking out for family, friends, neighbours.

"Together we will care for those around us and those who are elderly, vulnerable or choosing to remain at home."

Panic-buyers are filling up their freezers (Getty Images)

Shelves have been cleared of many products, such as pasta, tinned vegetables and soups - but toilet roll has been particularly badly affected, with supermarkets stripped bare almost as soon as stocks are replenished.

But if you find yourself without any loo roll, there are alternatives to see you through the coronavirus crisis.

Here’s what you can use instead of toilet roll - so don’t panic if the shelves are bare, there are plenty of other options.

A bidet - or a home made version

A no brainer alternative to toilet paper and loved by luxury hotels across the world.

However, not many UK homes are kitted out with a bidet but you can create your own with your shower.

It may be a bit tricky but you’ll definitely be clean.

A bidet is common in luxury hotels (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Baby wipes or wet wipes

Anyone with small children will have these to hand - and they’re perfect for using to wipe your bum.

However, the come with a word of warning - do not flush them down the toilet.

The wipes can have a devastating impact on the environment and even block up your own toilet system, which would definitely not be ideal at the moment.

So instead of flushing them, make sure you put them in the bin and dispose of them with the rest of your rubbish.

Reusable fabric toilet wipes

They may not sound like the nicest invention ever but when it comes to a never ending supply, these would serve you well.

However, they would need washing A LOT - and on very high temperatures.

The loo roll can be picked up on Amazon for £21 here.

A cloth

Again, this might make some people feel a bit queasy, but using a cloth to wipe your bum and then washing and re-using is another way to get round having no loo roll.

Just make sure you wash it very carefully between every use.

The Tabo

Hailing from the Philippines, the Tabo is basically a small plastic scoop that you use to pour water over your bottom until you’re clean.

It can also be used with soap, which can help with hygiene.

A Lota

A similar idea to the Tabo, it’s basically a device that allows you to wash your bottom after you’ve been to the toilet.

The Lota is a jug with a spout that you fill with water and pour over your bottom until it’s clean.

You can buy then for less than £8 from Amazon.

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